Antibiotic drugs are taken to stop bacteria from progressing further. Those leave the progression of bacteria unchecked are likely to witness severe infections. It is hence a safe thing to talk to a doctor and take meds to arrest infections. Your caregiver will prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. These meds are not considered effective for yeast or virus-led infections. Metronidazole is one of the widely taken antibiotic meds. But what happens if I had sex while taking metronidazole? It helps to have more details on this front.
Antibiotic meds are chiefly administered for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs can treat a wide range of infections viz., infections in the gastric tract, vagina, several sexually transmitted diseases, to name a few.
In this milieu, what is metronidazole?
Metronidazole is an antibacterial med taken for treating infections in the gastric system, skin infections, etc. It is a vital thing to know that this drug is not administered to teenagers or children. Also, girls who have not yet reached puberty must stay away from this drug. In the same light, girls or women in whom menstrual cycles have not yet begun should keep off this med.
Metronidazole is not to be taken through self-medication or as an over the counter (OTC) drug. It is a safe thing to always use it as per the instructions of a certified clinical practitioner.
What happens if I had sex while taking metronidazole?
If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection, and you are using metronidazole gel or pills, it is not a safe practice to engage in sexual intercourse for a week’s time after a single-dosage therapy. On the other hand, if your sexual partner(s) is also getting treated, it is considered safe to refrain from sexual acts till they complete their treatment plans.
In general, you are advised to stay from all forms of sexual acts viz., anal sex, oral sex, vaginal sex, etc. The key reason is having sex is likely to alter the bacterial climate in the vaginal tract. In some cases, sexual intercourse during treatment may cause an excessive growth of bacteria. Hence, keeping away from all forms of sexual activities becomes a prerequisite.
Common safety measures you must know while taking metronidazole
Intake of alcohol along with metronidazole can cause severe side effects. Blending with alcohol, essential ingredients of this drug may trigger cramping of muscles, stomach conditions such as indigestion or diarrhea. On observing these symptoms, you are advised to talk to your doctor urgently.
Due to the aforesaid risks, provide details about daily drinking habits with your doctor. Owing to the likely adverse effects, metronidazole is not administered to people who recently took alcohol. In this regard, get needful clarifications about metronidazole gel and alcohol myth from your caregiver.
Your caregiver may also seek inputs about prior medical conditions. You are advised to share needful details about hepatic conditions such as inflammation of liver or cirrhosis of the liver. Also, if you have had prior episodes of rapid heart-beats (condition known as arrhythmia), severe reduction of red cells and white cells of blood, your doctor must be made aware of all such conditions.
Metronidazole is likely to cause some adverse side effects. These adverse effects include acute spells of headaches, stiffening of muscles, weakness, overall tiredness, etc. Upon encountering any of these adverse signs, inform your treating doctor on an emergency mode. If you sense respiratory conditions like wheezing or panting, reach out to 911 if you are in US. Users living in a Canadian province need to get in touch with Health Canada as quickly as you possibly can.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.